11 Older iPhones Are Still Worth Buying in 2026

The latest iPhone models are expensive, unless you opt for the iPhone 17e, which starts at a relatively affordable $599. However, it’s missing some key features from the rest of the lineup. That said, not everyone has the budget to buy the latest and greatest iPhones. Fortunately, this isn’t a major problem, as the company’s older iPhones remain excellent smartphones even after the new ones are released, as Apple not only offers software support for five to seven years, but its A-series chips are also some of the most powerful on the market. By opting for an older iPhone, you save a decent amount of money while still getting a lot of what a new iPhone has to offer, as long as you avoid buying a vintage iPhone that has reached its end of life.

This is precisely why iPhones have good resale value, and many people are even happy to buy an older refurbished iPhone. As we get closer to the launch of the iPhone 18 series later this year, it’s a great time to consider which older iPhones are still a good buy in 2026. An important detail to keep in mind when buying an older iPhone is to make sure you’re getting a good discount compared to newer iPhones on the market. Otherwise, it might be better to pay a little extra to get the latest models.

The entire iPhone 16 lineup is an easy recommendation for anyone looking to buy an older iPhone. You get the A18 or A18 Pro chip (depending on which iPhone 16 model you choose), neither of which are lazy; both can handle anything you throw at them. Camera hardware differs between models, but you get a great 48MP main shooter in each of the models, which captures great photos with lots of detail, as mentioned in our iPhone 16 review.

Although it launched with iOS 18, the lineup has since been updated with iOS 26 and will likely continue to receive future updates over the next five years or so. Almost all of the iOS 26 improvements and features, including Liquid Glass, are available on all iPhone 16 models. Another good thing about this line is that it is readily available and is still widely sold, with Apple officially offering the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus models on its website.

The iPhone 16 lineup also includes USB-C for charging, data transfer and video output, supports dual eSIM, 128GB of storage in base models, IP68 dust and water resistance and supports Apple Intelligence. Although the lineup will cost you a lot more than older iPhone models, the iPhone 16 is still worth it in 2026. Just don’t go for the iPhone 16e.

If the iPhone 16 Pro models are out of your budget but you don’t want to choose a non-Pro iPhone, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are solid alternatives. Despite being over two and a half years old, the Pro iPhone 15 models are quite powerful, thanks to the presence of the A17 Pro chip. The presence of this processor also ensures that you have access to the majority of Apple Intelligence features as part of iOS 26, which you get on newer iPhones. These have also only received two iOS updates so far, which means they will most likely receive at least four more major iOS updates, including iOS 27 arriving later this year.

Aside from the Pro Max’s larger screen, larger battery, and support for higher zoom in the telephoto lens, the two iPhones have largely the same specs. You get a ProMotion display with Ceramic Shield on both and a titanium frame for superior durability. You also get the Pro camera system, including a telephoto lens, a USB-C port with 10Gbps support, and a Lidar sensor.

iPhone 15 Pro models continue to remain on sale through select retailers; however, you may have to put in a little effort to find them new. Apple also offers official refurbished iPhone 15 Pros on its online store, which can also be a good option since they come with a brand new battery, case, and the latest software. However, as with all older iPhones, the iPhone 15 Pros might not benefit from all of the latest features introduced in future iPhones, nor do these models have the faster MagSafe charging of the new Pro models.

Like the iPhone 15 Pro models, the iPhone 15 is also worth buying in 2026 – if you’re looking to save a good amount of money. Although the raw power gap between the base and Pro variants of the iPhone 15 series is slightly wider than in other iPhone generations, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are capable enough to handle daily tasks, casual gaming, and multitasking. You’ll miss out on the Apple Intelligence features, though, as they’re limited to Pro models or newer generations of iPhone.

The iPhone 15 series will also remain supported for years to come. However, you may not get all the latest and greatest features, especially as more and more AI elements are added to iPhones. In terms of specs and features, the iPhone 15 has an aluminum frame, a capable dual-camera system, USB-C with USB 2.0 speeds, and MagSafe. Base storage is 128GB and you get a very good screen with 2,000 nits of peak brightness.

However, you may have a hard time spotting these new phones, but their refurbished and used versions are still good options, as long as you get them in good condition and at a heavily discounted price. If you don’t get them certified refurbished by Apple, be sure to check the battery status, as anything below 80% is just asking for replacement or charging more than once a day.

The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are the oldest iPhones among our recommendations and were introduced in 2022. Despite their relative age, they can be decent buys at a good price. Both are still very good phones, not only in terms of hardware, but also in their ability to handle iOS 26. They’re pretty much the same as the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 series; However, you get a stainless steel frame instead of the titanium one. More importantly, the iPhone 14 Pro features the same A16 Bionic chip as the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus. These iPhones are also expected to receive about three more major iOS updates, giving you plenty of time to use them before they become obsolete.

You also get Dynamic Island, which you don’t get on the regular iPhone 14 or older iPhones, an always-on display, 2,000 nits of peak brightness, and a professional camera system headlined by a 48 MP primary shooter. However, the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max are showing their age in some areas. For example, you get the older Lightning connector instead of USB-C, with slower USB 2.0 speeds, no Apple Intelligence support, and no Thread networking support.

You’ll likely only find them reconditioned or used, and the price will contribute significantly to their value. If you can get an iPhone 15 Pro for a little more, we recommend splurging.